Independence for Foster Youth in Washington State

Transitional Living Program

Washington State’s Transitional Living services are for youth ages 18-21 who turned 18 while they were still in state or tribal foster care and are trying to make it on their own.

The TL program provides services to young adults to help them succeed; these services can include:

  • Educational services including everything from learning to read to getting ready for and getting into a college or training program.
  • Finding what kinds of jobs are out there, applying for jobs, and doing well in interviews.
  • One-on-one counseling and help getting the skills needed to live on your own such as:
    • How to manage your money.
    • How to take care of your place.
    • How to make smart spending decisions and what to do if you get into money trouble.
    • What to do if you have a child and how to be a good parent.
    • Where to go if you need to see a doctor or dentist.
    • Where to go in your community to socialize and find support.
    • How to find and keep safe housing.

You can get Transitional Living Services through classes and workshops and through local agencies who can work with you one-on-one.

Eligibility Criteria for Transitional Living Skills

  1. Young adult ages 18 up to 21 who are current or former foster youth from state or tribal out of home care and
  2. Young adult was in foster care in an established dependency action through DSHS or a tribal child welfare agency for at least 30 days after their 15th birthday.

Youth must meet all of the following criteria to receive Transitional Living funds:

  1. Youth is no longer in foster care at the time of any payment for housing costs;
  2. Youth meets one or more of the following employment or educational requirements:
    • Has a source of income; or
    • Has documented proof of actively seeking employment; or
    • Is involved in an educational program.
  3. Youth participates directly in developing the service plan and accepts personal responsibility for achieving independence.
  4. Youth has submitted an application and statement of need, which have been approved by the DCFS Regional ILS Program Manager and/or the contracted service provider.
  5. Youth was eligible for ILS services at time of transition from foster care.

Publications

Washington State’s Foster Care Independent Living, Transitional Living, and Educational and Training Voucher Programs

For more information about Transitional Living, email ILSKIDS@dshs.wa.gov or contact your local DCFS office.